Balloon squeaks have been a staple of physical comedy and cartoon sound design for decades, created in real life by pinching a balloon neck or rubbing its latex surface to force air out in a controlled squeal. Foley artists and creators later recorded clean versions for sound libraries, and the clip spread online through soundboards, meme edits and short videos. It remains popular because the rising rubbery noise naturally builds anticipation, whether the payoff is a loud pop, a failed balloon animal, or an intentionally annoying joke.